DTI, truckers call on LGUs to comply with suspension of ‘pass-through’ fees

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Alliance of Concerned Truck Owners and Organizations (ACTOO) called on local government units (LGUs) to comply with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.’s directive to suspend the collection of “pass-through” fees from goods-transporting vehicles.

“Our hope is that the [Executive Order] will be respected. After all, that EO has undergone tedious studies, consultations among stakeholders when it was issued by the President. So we are asking for respect and strict compliance, and in case of non-compliance, we hope the LGUs be taught their lesson for not complying,” ACTOO Vice President Rina Papa said in a mix of English and Filipino during the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.

For her part, DTI Undersecretary for Communications and Legislative Affairs Maria Blanca Kim Bernardo-Lokin said that the Manila LGU already expressed its compliance to Executive Order No. 41.

EO 41, signed September 25, prohibits all LGUs from collecting toll fees and charges from all motor vehicles transporting goods or merchandise while passing through any national or other roads not constructed and funded by the LGU.

The order also strongly urges all LGUs to suspend or discontinue the collection of fees such as, but not limited to, sticker fees, discharging fees, delivery fees, market fees, toll fees, entry fees, or Mayor’s Permit fees, that are imposed upon all motor vehicles transporting goods and passing through any local public roads constructed and funded by said LGUs.

Lokin noted that the Manila LGU’s issuance of compliance notice came while the government has yet to issue the implementing guidelines for the EO.

“When EO 41 was issued, the City of Manila, through their Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau… They have issued a notice, informing compliance for EO 41… they are hereby suspending and discontinuing the collection of pass-through fees,” the DTI official said.

Lokin said the Manila LGU’s expression of compliance was a welcome development since it was among the local governments reportedly collecting hefty pass-through fees.

ACTOO’s Papa said that the Manila City government collects P2,000 to P2,500 per truck every month.

“So multiply that by 12 months, in one truck only, the additional cost is almost P30,000,” Papa said.

With Manila’s notice of compliance, Lokin expressed optimism that other LGUs would follow suit.

“We hope and we urge the other LGUs to look at the EO 41 the same way… We hope this will serve as an example to other LGUs to follow suit,” the DTI official said.

Papa, moreover, said that the implementing guidelines for the EO 41 will contain a provision that will also cover roads that “lead to business centers, manufacturing sites, and warehouses.”

The truckers group official added that LGUs should also realize the role of the logistics sector in the distribution of goods.

“So this is not just about traffic in one municipality or road use in one province, but rather it would have an implication on the entire nation,” Papa said. — DVM, GMA Integrated News